Less than a week after knocking off archrival Blue Ridge in straight sets, Highlands prevailed a second time over the Bobcats on Thursday night.
The Lady Highlanders cruised to a 25-11, 25-22, 25-9 victory on Senior Night.
Highlands got off to a hot start in the first set as India Clark, Bella Wilson and Caitlin Tingen took turns making plays at the net. The home team built a 23-5 lead before a brief Bobcat rally led by a pair of aces from Mercedes McLaughlin. Clark ended the set with a perfectly place kill down the sideline.
The teams battled back and forth in the second set, and it appeared as if Blue Ridge was about to grab the momentum. The Bobcats held a 22-20 lead before Highland ripped off the final five points of the set.
The third set was not nearly as close as Highlands jumped in front early and coasted to the finish.
Highlands (10-9 overall, 6-0 conference) claimed the Little Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference title with the win.
The Lady Highlanders will advance to the NCHSAA 1-A State Playoffs. First round opponents and game times are yet to be determined.
Seniors Clark, Wilson, Anna Nichols, Karmen Jenkins, Caroline Woods and Ezra Branham were recognized after the match. The Highlands girls golf team, which won its first ever conference championship on Oct. 10, was also presented with the conference championship trophy.